Urgent Update: Health Concerns Persist at Chiquita Canyon Landfill

UPDATE: Residents near the Chiquita Canyon Landfill are facing unresolved health issues as state officials acknowledge lingering concerns during a recent community meeting. Despite months of discussions, Todd Sax, chief of the enforcement division for the California Air Resources Board, admits that further research is needed to fully understand the health impacts stemming from the landfill.

During the October 14, 2023 meeting, Sax confirmed that residents of Castaic and Val Verde have been enduring health problems since early 2023, with symptoms linked to “odorous compounds” from the landfill. “These compounds can cause serious irritation, including bloody noses and headaches,” Sax stated, emphasizing the correlation between odor exposure and health issues. Residents are urged to stay away from the area to mitigate symptoms.

The situation is complicated by ongoing legal battles, with Los Angeles County and thousands of residents filing lawsuits against the landfill and its parent company, Waste Connections. The landfill recently claimed improvements in conditions and announced the termination of its relief fund, which has led to further legal action. Sax noted that the area affected by an “underground elevated temperature event” is reportedly expanding, raising alarms about public safety.

With the landfill generating approximately 200,000 gallons of leachate daily, Sax admitted that the root causes of these environmental issues remain unclear. Residents are pressing for a comprehensive community health survey, but Sax’s response was vague, stating that the county had considered it yet failed to initiate one.

Residents are also anxious about potential cancer clusters, which have not been directly addressed by Sax despite ongoing litigation. “I can’t provide a definitive answer on those claims,” he remarked, heightening frustration among the community.

In the courtroom, a ruling from Judge Maame Frimpong directed the landfill and the county to negotiate a relocation plan for affected residents, covering around 900 homes. Meanwhile, the landfill has filed an appeal to delay the court’s decision, prolonging the uncertainty for families seeking safety from the hazardous conditions.

Sax acknowledged the community’s demand for clarity on health effects, but he cautioned that establishing a clear link between exposure and health outcomes is a complex task. He mentioned ongoing assessments, including testing for PFAS—known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks.

“While we are monitoring the right pollutants, our understanding remains limited,” Sax admitted. This statement has prompted calls for more robust research and transparency from state officials.

As residents await further updates, the urgency of their situation remains palpable. The task force’s inability to provide concrete answers has left many feeling anxious and frustrated. Community members are encouraged to stay informed and advocate for their health and safety as legal proceedings continue.

NEXT STEPS: Watch for upcoming court decisions regarding the appeal and potential relocation plans, along with any new health studies that may finally offer clarity to the ongoing challenges faced by residents near Chiquita Canyon Landfill.